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🦶 Foot & heel — Exercises Studied in Research
Real findings from published clinical studies. Not opinions, not ads — just what researchers actually found, with the evidence behind each approach.
Compiled and reviewed by: Milena Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Nikola Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Technology
Evidence last updated:
Does it work? — what research found
Every approach studied for conditions in this area, sorted by where clinical guidelines stand — not by popularity. Open a condition below for its own evidence summary. Full details and dosing are part of the complete review.
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night Splint (Self-Applied)you can do this at homeStudies: 7 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +5 | 7 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +5 | Evidence supports it |
| Combined Loading (Silbernagel Protocol)you can do this at homeStudies: 1 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +3 | 1 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +3 | Evidence supports it |
| Eccentric Exercise (Alfredson Protocol)done with a specialistStudies: 43 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +3 | 43 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +3 | Evidence supports it |
| Eccentric Heel Drop (Alfredson Protocol)you can do this at homeStudies: 41 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +3 | 41 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +3 | Evidence supports it |
| Patient Education & Load Managementyou can do this at homeStudies: 4 · Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values., Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. +3 | 4 | Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values.Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. +3 | Evidence supports it |
| Heavy Slow Resistance (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 7 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | 7 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | Evidence supports it |
| Heavy Slow Resistance Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 9 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | 9 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | Evidence supports it |
| Progressive Calf Strengtheningyou can do this at homeStudies: 11 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | 11 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | Evidence supports it |
| Progressive Loading Programdone with a specialistStudies: 11 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | 11 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | Evidence supports it |
| Calf Stretching - Gastrocnemius & Soleus (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 5 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | 5 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Calf Stretching (Gastrocnemius & Soleus)done with a specialistStudies: 4 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | 4 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Combined Loading (Silbernagel Protocol)done with a specialistStudies: 4 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy +1 | 4 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy +1 | Evidence supports it |
Show all 81 approaches ↓
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night Splint (Dorsiflexion Orthosis)done with a specialistStudies: 7 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | 7 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Plantar Fascia-Specific Stretch (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 7 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | 7 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Plantar Fascia-Specific Stretchingdone with a specialistStudies: 13 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | 13 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Isotonic Calf Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) | 1 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) | Evidence supports it |
| Manual Therapy — Joint Mobilization (Ankle/Foot)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | 2 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | Evidence supports it |
| Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (rESWT)done with a specialistStudies: 13 · Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values., Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | 13 | Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values.Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | Evidence supports it |
| Criteria-Based Rehabilitationdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Current Clinical Concepts: Conservative Management of Achilles Tendinopathy (Silbernagel 2020) | 3 | Current Clinical Concepts: Conservative Management of Achilles Tendinopathy (Silbernagel 2020) | Evidence supports it |
| High Tendon Compression Rehabilitationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 | 1 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 | Evidence supports it |
| High-Load Strength Training (Rathleff Protocol)done with a specialistStudies: 7 · Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. | 7 | Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. | Evidence supports it |
| Low Tendon Compression Rehabilitationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 | 1 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 | Evidence supports it |
| Return-to-Sport Progression Criteriayou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · Current Clinical Concepts: Conservative Management of Achilles Tendinopathy (Silbernagel 2020) | 1 | Current Clinical Concepts: Conservative Management of Achilles Tendinopathy (Silbernagel 2020) | Evidence supports it |
| Telehealth / Web-Based Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) | 3 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) | Evidence supports it |
| Telehealth Exercise Programyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) | 1 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) | Evidence supports it |
| Foot Orthoses (Prefabricated / Custom)done with a specialistStudies: 9 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +5 | 9 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +5 | May helpdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT / Photobiomodulation)done with a specialistStudies: 4 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +5 | 4 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +5 | May helpdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Dry Needlingdone with a specialistStudies: 4 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +4 | 4 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +4 | May help |
| Isometric Calf Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 9 · UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approach, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 +3 | 9 | UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approachAchilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 +3 | May help |
| Isometric Calf Exercise (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 7 · UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approach, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 +3 | 7 | UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approachAchilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 +3 | May help |
| Acupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 2 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | 2 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | May help |
| Balance & Proprioception (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: three randomized controlled trials · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | three randomized controlled trials | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | May help |
| Calf Stretching / Flexibilityyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | 3 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | May help |
| Deep Friction Massage (Cyriax)done with a specialistStudies: 6 · UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approach, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | 6 | UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approachAchilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | May help |
| Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)done with a specialistStudies: 19 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final), Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy +1 | 19 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final)Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy +1 | May help |
| Foot Orthotic / Insole (Self-Applied)you can do this at homeStudies: 10 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | 10 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. +1 | May helpdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Heel Liftsdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final), Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy +1 | 3 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final)Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy +1 | May help |
| Passive Stretchingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | 1 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | May help |
| Prolotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 RCT; 1 prospective case series · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | 1 RCT; 1 prospective case series | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | May help |
| Sensorimotor / Balance Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | 1 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +1 | May help |
| Eccentric Exercise + ESWTdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final), Current Clinical Concepts: Conservative Management of Achilles Tendinopathy (Silbernagel 2020) | 3 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final)Current Clinical Concepts: Conservative Management of Achilles Tendinopathy (Silbernagel 2020) | May help |
| General Exercise / Aerobic Activitydone with a specialistStudies: 4 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | 4 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | May help |
| High-Load Heel Raises - Rathleff Protocol (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 4 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | 4 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | May help |
| Intrinsic Foot Muscle Strengtheningdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | 2 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | May help |
| Intrinsic Foot Strengthening (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 2 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | 2 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | May help |
| Kinesiology Tapingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | 1 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | May help |
| Hyaluronic Acid Injectiondone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy | 1 | Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy | May help |
| Eccentric Exercise + Corticosteroid Injectiondone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Eccentric Exercise + High-Volume Injectiondone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Eccentric Exercise + PRP Injectiondone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Eccentric Exercise + Soft Tissue Treatment (Astym)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Eccentric Plus Modalitiesdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Eccentric Plus Myofascialdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Eccentric Plus Vibrationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Gait Retraining / Modificationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Strength Training + Corticosteroid Injectiondone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Web-Based Telerehabilitation (Supervised Home Programme)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Corticosteroid Injection (Plantar Fascia)done with a specialistStudies: 10 · Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values., UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approach +3 | 10 | Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values.UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approach +3 | Not enough research yet |
| Fluoroquinolone-Associated Tendinopathydone with a specialistStudies: eight studies · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | eight studies | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | Not enough research yet |
| High-Volume Injection (HVI)done with a specialistStudies: 6 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | 6 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | Not enough research yet |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)done with a specialistStudies: 4 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final), Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy +1 | 4 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final)Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy +1 | Not enough research yet |
| Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN) Patchdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy | 3 | Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy | Not enough research yet |
| Balneotherapy / Peloid (Mud-Pack) Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Blood Flow Restriction Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: Thirteen studies were included, three on tendinopathy, two on tendon ruptures, and eight on healthy Achilles, patellar, and supraspinatus tendons · not yet reviewed | Thirteen studies were included, three on tendinopathy, two on tendon ruptures, and eight on healthy Achilles, patellar, and supraspinatus tendons | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Cryotherapy (Self-Applied)you can do this at homeStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Diathermy / TECAR Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Eccentric + Dietary Supplementdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Eccentric Exercise + Cryotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Eccentric Exercise + PEMFdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Eccentric Plus Splintingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Electroacupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| HILT + Kinesiotapingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| HILT + Plantar Fascia Stretchingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Intramuscular Stimulation (Gunn IMS)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Modified Eccentric Heel Drop (Insertional)you can do this at homeStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Pain-Monitored Loadingyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Whole Body Vibration Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · not yet reviewed | 3 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Night Splintdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | 3 | Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) +2 | Science does not support it |
| Therapeutic Ultrasounddone with a specialistStudies: 3 · UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approach, Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 +2 | 3 | UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approachAchilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 +2 | Science does not support it |
| Therapeutic Ultrasounddone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT), Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | 3 | Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT)Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. | Science does not support it |
| Eccentric Exercise + LLLTdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Science does not support it |
Conditions in this area
Conditions in this area with published evidence — pick one to see what studies describe.
What science does not support
These approaches are widely offered, but published research found they do not help for at least one condition in this area. Listed so you know — not as advice about any individual case.
- Night SplintNot supported by research
Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) · Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy · Physical therapies for Achilles tendinopathy: systematic review and meta-analysis
- Therapeutic UltrasoundNot supported by research
UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approach · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 · Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final) · Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy
- Therapeutic UltrasoundNot supported by research
Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT) · Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014.
- Eccentric Exercise + LLLTNot supported by research
not yet reviewed
Whether any of this applies to your situation is something your physiotherapist or doctor can assess after examining you.
Frequently asked
What works for Foot & heel according to research?
Research supports: Night Splint (Self-Applied), Combined Loading (Silbernagel Protocol), Eccentric Exercise (Alfredson Protocol), Eccentric Heel Drop (Alfredson Protocol), Patient Education & Load Management, Heavy Slow Resistance (Home). Based on Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023 (APTA/AOPT); Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values.; Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014..
What does not work for Foot & heel according to research?
Research found no benefit from routine use of: Night Splint, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Eccentric Exercise + LLLT. Based on Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024; Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2024 (Final); Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy.
How much research is this based on?
For Foot & heel, 81 approaches were evaluated, of which 55 have been reviewed by research bodies. Every data point traces to a published source.
Educational Information — PhysioSense is an educational reference tool based on published research. It does NOT replace a medical examination or physiotherapy assessment. If you have severe pain, new symptoms, or are unsure — see a doctor or physiotherapist. You always make the final decision about your exercise. Pain is a signal to stop.
